Amnesty International USA Expresses Satisfaction with Temporary Release of Tomaj Salehi; All Charges Against Him Should Be Dropped

On Monday, November 20, Amnesty International USA welcomed and expressed satisfaction with the temporary release on bail of Tomaj Salehi, a rap artist opposing the Islamic Republic. The organization called for all charges against him to be dropped and for his unconditional freedom. In a statement signed by Eliz Orbach, an expert on Iran at Amnesty International USA, Tomaj Salehi was described as 'an inspiration to millions in Iran and around the world.' It added: 'He, who was arrested and imprisoned by the authorities of the Islamic Republic for supporting peaceful protesters in Iran and defending human rights and the demand for freedom, is a symbol of courage and fearlessness.' Amnesty International USA further noted its recent campaign and special efforts to send thousands of messages to the Iranian authorities for the release of Tomaj Salehi, stating: 'While we continue to call for all charges against him to be dropped and for his unconditional freedom, we also celebrate this release with Tomaj, his family, friends, and supporters, and thank all those who supported him during these 13 painful months.' Tomaj Salehi, a dissenting rap artist who was arrested during the nationwide protests in Iran last year, was released from the Dastgerd prison in Isfahan on Saturday, November 18, after one year and twenty days in custody upon posting bail. He was arrested in early November 2022 in connection with the nationwide protests and was sentenced in July of this year by the first branch of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court to six years and three months in prison, a travel ban, prohibition from producing music and singing, and two years of mandatory attendance in behavior management and skill development courses. Arash Sobhani commented on Tomaj Salehi's release: 'He is an artist who has spoken of the people's pain.' Exclusive interview with Tomaj Salehi's political guardian: 'He is still at risk.' Widespread reactions to Tomaj Salehi's release; users heated up the hashtag of his name. Voria Ghafouri: 'November since 2019 is a reminder of dark days.' Exclusive; a member of the German parliament and Tomaj Salehi's political guardian: 'Tomaj is still in danger.' Violation of the ruling in the Supreme Court; Tomaj Salehi was released on bail.